# NTSB FTW89LA169: Cessna 150, N8256F, Powell, TX, September 19, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 19, 1989, 09:45 local (14:45 UTC)
- Place: Powell, TX
- Coordinates: 32.160236, -96.330345 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.1602&lon=-96.3303&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 25, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22920
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW89LA169
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22920/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89LA169

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT RESULTING IN A PARTIAL, NON-MECHANICAL POWER LOSS FROM CARBURETOR ICING CONDITIONS.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (cause)
  - carburetor heat - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS OPERATING THE AIRCRAFT ON AN INSTRUCTIONAL FLIGHT WHEN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS WERE FAVORABLE FOR MODERATE ICING IN CARBURETED POWERPLANTS. WHILE IN CRUISE FLIGHT THE POWERPLANT STARTED TO LOSE RPM AND THE PILOT FAILED TO APPLY CARBURETOR HEAT. HE OPENED AND CLOSED THE THROTTLE IN AN ATTEMPT TO REGAIN OPERATING RPM AND EVENTUALLY APPLIED CARBURETOR HEAT FOR APPROXIMATELY 3 TO 4 SECONDS, TO NO AVAIL. HE EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING TO A FIELD WHERE THE HIGH VEGETATION CAUSED THE AIRCRAFT TO NOSE OVER DURING THE LANDING ROLL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8256F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8256F-2004-11-05), registration cancelled 2004-11-05, S/N 15064356, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150
- Registry model: [Cessna 150F](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150f) (registry code 2071814) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15064356
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Robert E. Parker
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Departed: CRS, CORSICANA, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 19; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 73 total, 35 in this make and model, 38 as pilot in command, 35 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 100° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: RBD, 50 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19890919035699A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890919035699A), Sep 19, 1989: Cessna 150F, Powell, TX, Substantial damage. Engine lost power. Failed to leave carb heat on. Nosed over landing in soft field.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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